Michael Green explores the evolution of the kokusanka debate and the indigenous development and production of weapons of war, lucidly outlining the question of Japanese political and military autonomy in the postwar era.

The Allure of Autonomy: Defense Production and Alliance, Defense Production and the Economy 2. "On Sea, on Land, and Then On to Space!": The Growth of the Defense Industry's Political and Technological Base, 1950-1969 3. "Self Defense to the Fore, Alliance to the Rear!": The Nixon Doctrine, the Fourth Defense Plan, and the Political Zenuth of Kokusanka, 1970-1976 4. The Emerging Paradox: Bilateral Defense Cooperation and the Growth of Technonationalism, 1976-1986 5. "Return of the Zero Fighter!": The FSX Crisis 6. The Limits of Autonomy; The Shifting Defense Constituency in the FSX Debate 7. Defense Production and Alliance in a Post-Cold War World 8. Conclusion Epilogue

Arming Japan is a very helpful addition to the literature, taking us beyond the narrower issue of Japan's defence policy and grappling with the more complex questions of how a nation's defence and security interact with its domestic industries...This is a compact book, concisely argued, very well researched and documented, drawing on a wealth of Japanese materials. It poses starkly a fundamental dilemma that Japan has had to confront throughout the postwar period-how 'independent' can it be in its defence and security policies? For these reasons, this book could make an excellent classroom text or discussion piece, and it is strongly recommended. It is, as one expects from Columbia, very well produced. -- Alan Rix, University of Queensland Asian Studies Review Green moves to the forefront of a new generation of Japan scholars, fluent in Japanese, sophisticated in alliance politics and dedicated to asking the right questions on both sides of the Pacific. Here, at last, is a brilliant analysis of how 'techno-nationalism' drives Japan's strategic view of the world. -- George R. Packard Rich in insight and coverage, and has made an important contribution to our knowledge of the political economy of Japanese military procurement policy. Canadian Journal of Political Science Reflects Green's expertise in Japanese politics, an understanding of the bureaucratic culture, and great skill at unraveling the nuances of the difficult and subtle Japanese language... Arming Japan represents a real contribution to the literature on U.S.-Japan relations, Japanese politics and government, and international security policy. The American Academy of Political and Social Science

Michael Green explores the evolution of the kokusanka debate and the indigenous development and production of weapons of war, lucidly outlining the question of Japanese political and military autonomy in the postwar era.